Manchester City vs Aston Villa - Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Pep Guardiola's side go in search of a crucial three points as they look to rival Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the table

5 months ago 38

By Ryan Walker

Published: 18:30 BST, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 18:52 BST, 3 April 2024

Villa missing key duo for tonight's clash

As if visiting the Etihad wasn't one of the most difficult away trips of the season, Villa's visit has been made even harder with the absence of two key players.

Unai Emery revealed star striker Ollie Watkins and midfielder Jacob Ramsey are unavailable for selection due to recent injuries.

Commenting on their absence, the Villa boss said: 'They (Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins) will not be available for tomorrow.

'They have small injuries. Jacob Ramsey is not getting better like he wants and we are not in a hurry with him, and for tomorrow he is not available.

'With Ollie, it’s more or less the same but I think it’s a small injury. We are going to wait because with some days he could be available for the next match.'

Soccer Football - Europa Conference League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Aston Villa v Ajax Amsterdam - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - March 14, 2024 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins looks dejected with manager Unai Emery after being sustaining due to an injury Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

April history gives City hope tonight

City's media team has tried to give supporters a boost tonight by putting together a stat-pack that shows just how good the reigning Premier League champions are at this time of the season.

Pep Guardiola's squad of superstars have won 19 of their last 21 Premier League games in April, while Rodri has scored more goals against Villa than any other PL team (3 goals).

Does defeat end City's title hopes?

Mathematically? No. Mentally? Yes.

City have made a mark of being the perfectionists of the end-of-season run-in in recent years, famously getting the better of Liverpool and last season pipping Arsenal to the title.

But last season's Treble-winners must overcome one of their biggests tests yet if they are to become the first-ever team to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

Guardiola and his squad know they have to win every one of their nine remaining Premier League fixtures to stand any chance of lifing the trophy and defeat tonight would be a mental blow that you doubt they could recover from.

Good evening and welcome

Good evening, thanks for joining us, and welcome back to another packed evening of Premier League action.

Tonight it's time for the champions to make a statement in the title race as they host high-flying Aston Villa at the Etihad just three-days after their goalless draw against Arsenal.

Victory at all costs is the message from the City camp as they try to move to within one point of league leaders Liverpool, while Aston Villa can widen the gap between themselves in fourth and the chasing pack of Man United and Tottenham.

The action gets underway at 8.15pm tonight and we have tons to cover before then.

Manchester city players celebrate after Bernardo Silva of Manchester City (20) scores the opening goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final at the Etihad Stadium on March 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City speaks with Jack Grealish of Manchester City after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Aston Villa's Moussa Diaby celebrates scoring the opening goal with Morgan Rogers Youri Tielemans Leon Bailey Pau Torres and Diego Carlos during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park on March 30, 2024 in Birmingham, England.(Photo by Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)